Convenant Marriage vs. Traditional Marriages

[dimpy.handa]

Covenant marriage laws are weak, and the resources do not exist to provide the counselling they mandate. The US Supreme Court ruled more than 50 years ago that the state of residence at the time of the divorce determines the laws governing the divorce. So if the covenant marriage partners move to a state without covenant marriage laws, they are free to use the no-fault system anyway. The mandated counselling both before marriage and before divorce could be costly. States that have passed covenant marriage laws have done little to provide low-cost or free counsellors for those who cannot afford them. In addition, those who choose covenant marriages are the least likely to divorce anyway. Studies show that those in covenant marriages have higher incomes and education, are more involved in their churches, and take marriage more seriously than those who do not select covenant marriages. These traits are all predictors of a successful marriage, regardless of the requirements of covenant marriage.

 

[dimpy.handa]

The bottom line of most covenant marriage laws is that a couple can not get a divorce easily. This means that when a couple gets their marriage license they must choose how they would end their marriage.

If a couple chooses the covenant marriage option, they must receive counseling before getting married and before getting a divorce. A no-fault divorce would not be an option. However, abuse, felony, adultery, abandonment, or long periods of separation are conditions accepted for a divorce.

 

[swatiraohnlu]

The covenant marriage laws try to put the brakes on quickie divorces by fostering a renewed commitment to having a long-term marriage.